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Comment by A4ET8a8uTh0 | Hacker News Reader

Not ignore, but carefully consider. At certain point, money stops being the only motivator that can be used. Few years ago, I wouldn't be trading money for spending more time with my kid, but now I am willing to make that trade. I guess what I am saying is that thing do differ and while it makes for an easy quip 'pas d'argent pas de suisse'. I mean, it is true in general, but not an absolute truth without exceptions and edge cases.

<< You’ve got to make their lives decent

And this is where we agree. If you can make the performer life better ( not automatically with money ), you got their attention.

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This may be true— but I also think few “high performers” are seeking less responsibility/commitment. They are working hard to be recognized for it, and the recognition ought to be financial in most cases.

I totally agree with your sentiment but I think “more free time” is a difficult award in general. Most managers would probably look at most high performers and say “you want more time? Then work less! You are already over performing” it’s somewhat out of their hands how much someone chooses to work, but they can more directly control how much they pay and award via bonuses.

I think you are right in terms of an employee class. Anecdotally, my buddy ( I don't see myself as a high performer those past few years ), is going out of his way to make things work, while I kinda drift along. He is definitely more stressed and he should get cash money for it, while it is still an option AND he is not burnt out.

I feel that 'burn out' in many cases is realizing the futility in 'working hard and giving your best' for someone else without being compensated for it.

Note that I am not denying pathalogical burn out is a thing.

Yeah, but I think a lot of the compensation people in this situation need comes from recognition and autonomy. Like, money is great and all, but as long as you have "enough" then those other factors are super important.

Like, I'm currently willing to take a pay cut to get more autonomy and a better (for me) workplace environment.

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